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Utilities face a generational challenge in supporting massive load growth without compromising grid reliability or customer affordability. To meet this challenge, stakeholders have been rapidly innovating around large load interconnection, from engineering studies to interconnection models to cost allocation.

This workshop will introduce utilities and other stakeholders to a range of innovations being pursued, from some of the leading practitioners. It will begin with a review of the state of the data center pipeline today, and a presentation of high/mid/low integrated scenarios for large load growth. This will be followed by panel discussions between utilities, RTOs, and technology companies on the latest interconnection developments from across the country, with ample time reserved for Q&A. Attendees will come away with a firm grasp of where the industry is headed and which models they themselves may want to pursue to drive growth.

Part 1: The large load outlook and new interconnection models (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Presentation: Strategic planning for large load growth - Beginning with a review of the data center pipeline today, including regional trends and utility commitments, this presentation will outline three long-term scenarios for large load growth in the US, integrating factors from power plant construction costs to natural gas prices. It will then outline the latest regulatory developments at RTOs involving large load and generator interconnection.

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM | Panel Discussion: Interconnection 2.0 - This panel will bring together grid operators and data center developers to discuss innovations for accelerating the connection of large loads. Examples will include new interconnection models, joint load and generation study processes, new ride-through requirements, and behind-the-meter technologies.

Part 2: Innovating for speed and affordability (2:45 PM – 4:30 PM)

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM | Panel: A path toward affordable AI – With customer affordability a topline focus of state regulators, utilities are pursuing a range of strategies to build out grid and generation infrastructure without burdening small customers. Hear from a utility and its partners about best practices for improving network utilization and enabling data centers to pay their own way.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Panel: Bring-your-own-distributed-capacity – In a growing trend, states are requiring utilities to build virtual power plants as a customer-centric approach to resource adequacy. This panel will explore how utilities can leverage data center-funded VPPs through a BYOC model, explaining program design, customer engagement, and bridge power options. 

At the conclusion of the workshop, attendees will be invited to stay for an informal networking session with the speakers, which will immediately precede the Opening Reception. 

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